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°pbdb is a free-spirited creative unit formed by pianist/composer Misaki Umei and singer-songwriter Fuki Kitamura, dedicated to transcending genre and format in music production. Bringing together their distinct backgrounds, the two artists resonate with one another to pursue a production style that crystallizes ideas the very moment they arise. Their unit name conveys a playful interplay of visual elements and imagination, reflecting their quest to shake up preconceived notions and discover new forms of musical expression. Misaki Umei, a versatile artist steeped in classical and jazz, imbues her music with both a solid technical foundation and contemporary sensibilities. Respectful of tradition yet ever adventurous, her work thrives on the pursuit of unexplored possibilities. Fuki Kitamura is a singer-songwriter who effortlessly navigates a broad spectrum-from lyrical folk to club music. Her vocals and soundscapes combine serenity and intensity, resonating deeply with listeners emotions. In 2023, the pair collaborated on Kitamura's amaranthus feat. Misaki Umei and Umei's hannah feat. Fuki Kitamura, merging their distinct musical identities. Building on the synergy and creative fusion from these projects, they officially formed the unit °pbdb. By transcending genre and form, °pbdb aims for richly layered expression. Their approach is experimental not only in music but also in visuals and concept, shaping a truly multifaceted artistic endeavor.
Born in Hyogo Prefecture in 2002, Misaki Umei began playing piano at the age of 4, Electone at 6, and composing music at the same time. She has won numerous awards in both piano and Electone competitions and graduated from the composition department of Tokyo College of Music. In 2018, she made her Blue Note Tokyo debut at the young age of 16 as the "Blue Giant Nights" Audition Winner, which featured Hiromi Uehara, Kazunori Kumagai, and Kendrick Scott. At Hokkaido Groove Camp 2019, she received the Berklee Award. To date, she has collaborated in live performances and recordings with artists such as Hiromi Uehara, Kendrick Scott, Masaki Hayashi, Takashi Niigaki, Eiko Ishibashi, Kidori Kidori (Da Sora Kimishima), AiNA THE END, Kayoko Yoshizawa, and Yukkyun. In February 2025, she was selected as a member for the Japan tour of Geordie Greep, the guitarist and vocalist of Black Midi. Furthermore, she is scheduled to participate in Shun Ishiwaka's percussion recital in April. In 2025, she was chosen as one of Japan's representative 25 artists for "Future of Music" by Rolling Stone Japan. In 2021, she released an album with the Misaki Umei Trio, her own leader project, and performed at COTTON CLUB. Since 2023, she has also started a solo project, releasing five singles. In addition to her activities as a promising jazz pianist, she also serves as a composer for "haruyoi," a vocal unit with Sakika Kanno. Her diverse and continuous activities as a next-generation musician are garnering much attention. Long Interview: A 22-Year-Old Whose First Language is Piano is on a Borderless Journey https://niewmedia.com/specials/misakiumei
Burst onto the scene in March 2023 with their debut digital single "amaranthus feat. Misaki Umei." Quickly gaining recognition for their unique sound blending dance music, jazz, folk, and electronica, they were invited to perform at FUJI ROCK FESTIVAL '23 on the ROOKIE A GO-GO stage. Beyond their solo work, they have also made a name for themselves through diverse collaborations and projects: remixing tomggg feat. ena mori's track "Ichigo Miruku," contributing to the soundtrack for the TV drama "Chikyu no Arukikata" (produced by Tomita Lab), and actively DJing under the alias asak. Continued their rise in 2024 with the release of their first EP "500mm," a vibrant exploration of dance music. This was followed by a second appearance at FUJI ROCK FESTIVAL '24, solidifying their presence in the Japanese music scene. Their talent and hard work were further acknowledged in October 2024 when they received the "Best Breakthrough Artists" award at the TOKYO ALTER MUSIC AWARD.
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